The other morning while viewing my Facebook page, I received some disturbing news. Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. had passed away in upscale New York the following week. It was a total shock. This man of God was a little younger than me. He was a father of four. He was founder and pastor of a thriving ministry, one that boasted over 8,000 members. He was very instrumental in the Kingdom of God. The ministry that he built with his ex-wife Riva, New Destiny Christian Center served as a major outreach mecca for Orlando and Apopka, Florida as well as surrounding cities. Not to mention, the messages of hope, exhortation and empowerment Dr. Tims ministered as a televangelist that frequently hosted the Praise The Lord nationally and internationally syndicated television show on the Trinity Broadcast Network. This man of God was the epitome of the success one can obtain while walking in the Spirit of God and application of the Word of God.
So many questions… Why was he in New York? What was the cause of death? Was there anyone else with him? A cloud of suspicion, rumors and speculation began to materialize. It is true I had my own questions-not about the cause of death or was there anyone with him- but why God now? He was in the prime of his life, at the peak of the mountain of successful ministry. Then in a still small voice I heard, untimely death.
Untimely is defined as premature, early or unfortunate, in opportune or at the wrong time. It troubled me to know that we can depart this life prematurely. This implies unfinished and unfulfilled promises. It is my belief the choices, decisions, lifestyle and our physical health can cause our early demise. There are adjustments that we must make. Simple instructions we have not followed. For instance, take time to live, laugh and love. Add exercise to our daily regimen. Take a vacation. Learn to remove stress and combat depression. Stop worrying about things we can’t change and change those we can. Those we can’t, God can.
Consequently, we have suffered a great loss in the Kingdom of God but have made great gains. I choose to focus on the impact of Dr. Tims’ life and ministry. Many lives have been empowered because of it and many added to the Kingdom. It is in these times of transition that we reevaluate our lives. Let go of those things that are not conducive to growth. Forgive and forget negative things of the past. Draw closer to God. Touch the lives in our arena of influence and celebrate life.
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